Brazilian Outcry Over Rodri’s Ballon d’Or Win Ahead Of Vinicius Junior.
Brazilian journalists and politicians have voiced frustration after Manchester City’s Rodri was awarded the Ballon d’Or ahead of Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior. The decision, announced in Paris, has sparked widespread criticism in Brazil, where many argue Vinicius was unfairly overlooked.
Vinicius, 24, had a standout season with Real Madrid, leading as their top scorer as they clinched the Champions League and La Liga titles. In contrast, Rodri enjoyed success with Manchester City, helping the club secure the Premier League, UEFA Super Cup, and Club World Cup, in addition to aiding Spain’s Euro 2024 victory.
The decision to award Rodri the Ballon d’Or has been described by Brazilian commentators as unjust and retaliatory. Many argue Vinicius was passed over because of his outspoken stance against racism, which he has encountered throughout his career, particularly in Spain.
“We know Vinicius is a target of racism in Spanish football and actively fights against it,” remarked Guga Chacra, a commentator for Globo News. Other voices, such as Gustavo Faldon, sports editor at Estadao, argued that Vinicius’s achievements and his reputation for resilience should have strengthened his claim for the title. “The treatment of Vinicius is the biggest injustice in the history of the Ballon d’Or,” Faldon noted.
Milly Lacombe, from UOL news, criticised the Ballon d’Or for what she described as a missed opportunity to honour a player recognised not only for his on-field talents but also for his social activism. Lacombe questioned whether prejudice and racism may have influenced the final outcome.
The Ballon d’Or, organised by France Football, is determined by a panel of journalists from FIFA’s top 100-ranked nations, each ranking players from a shortlist of 30 nominees. However, Galvao Bueno, a prominent Brazilian sports commentator, criticised the voting process, claiming it favours European players. “It’s not just about who plays better; this award has a European bias,” Bueno commented on his YouTube channel. He suggested Vinicius’s vocal stance against racism made some voters uncomfortable, affecting his chances.
Vincent Garcia, editor-in-chief of France Football, explained that Vinicius’s result may have been impacted by the high placements of his Real Madrid teammates Jude Bellingham and Dani Carvajal. According to Garcia, the divided support among the three top Real players might have tipped the balance in Rodri’s favour.
Commentators in Brazil remain unconvinced. “Vini Jr’s exclusion from the title of best player in the world at the Ballon d’Or is yet another way of penalising him for his stance on racial issues, both on and off the field,” wrote Douglas Ceconello from Globo Esporte.
Following the announcement, Vinicius expressed his determination on social media platform X, stating, “I will do it 10 times if I have to. They are not ready.” His message received an outpouring of support, including from Brazil’s minister of racial equality, Anielle Franco, who responded, “You are amazing, Vini! Racism will never stop us. Let’s keep making history.”
